In the vast deserts of Uzbekistan, a centralized photovoltaic (PV) power station has emerged as a powerful symbol of the country’s transition toward renewable energy. Built under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the project brings clean electricity — and brighter lives — to thousands of households, injecting fresh momentum into the region’s sustainable development.
Located about 70 kilometers southwest of Samarkand, a PV project built by China Construction Fifth Engineering Bureau, a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), is completing installation of its final panel. Once fully operational, the 5.1-million-square-meter solar farm is expected to generate over 3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per day. This will help ease local power shortages while supporting Uzbekistan’s energy restructuring and economic transformation.
Aerial view of the project site [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Building from nothing in the desert
Launched in June 2023, the project faced tough challenges. With no existing infrastructure, extreme weather, and a limited construction window, the team had to overcome enormous logistical and environmental challenges.
“There was no road — so we built our own,” said one team member. To beat the scorching summer heat, the team adjusted schedules to avoid peak temperatures. Drinking water and meals had to be transported daily — a round trip of 80 kilometers taking up to four hours — due to the lack of nearby accommodations.
Thanks to the team’s determination, roads were completed by the end of July, providing a solid foundation for full-scale construction.
160-ton transformers’ cross-border journey
The project includes a 220 kV booster station and a 253 MW photovoltaic power area. A critical component — two 130 MW main transformers weighing 160 tons — posed a major challenge due to its size and transport requirements. Local infrastructure was insufficient, and the transport process had to be extremely stable to avoid damage.
The CSCEC team developed detailed logistics plans, carried out site preparations, and trained personnel in handling and safety procedures. After a 20-day journey from China in October 2023, the transformers were successfully lifted into place with two 350-ton cranes.
By the end of the month, the first solar panel was installed and the transformers tested — paving the way for grid connection. Within just seven months, the team had completed the substation, transformers installation, and grid connection, bringing the project into operation.
Bringing a taste of home to Uzbekistan
During the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in 2023, the team prepared dumpling-making supplies and decorations to celebrate. Martin, a local intern, received a care package filled with mooncakes, sausages, and hot pot seasoning — gifts from China that warmed his heart.
Martin split his time between studying in China and working on the project. He handled translations, site inspections, and logistics. Eager to learn, he studied construction drawings and asked about engineering techniques. He also loved Chinese culture, helping lead traditional poetry reading events for local staff — creating a “teach and share” learning environment.
This project is more than a source of clean energy, it is a symbol of international friendship and cooperation under the BRI.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
